Colchester in Essex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Forebuilding and Chapel

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 17, 2026

1. Forebuilding and Chapel Marker

Inscription. The remains of several buildings can be seen in front of the Castle. They were uncovered during excavations carried out between 1931 and 1933.

Immediately in front of you are the remains of a chapel originally constructed by the Saxons, but then rebuilt by the Normans soon after the Castle was erected. Fragments of painted wall plaster, now on display in the Castle, show that the chapel was richly decorated.

The walls under the bridge are the remains of a forebuilding that gave added protection to a wooden staircase that led to the main Castle entrance.

The forebuilding was originally a rectangular structure, but probably in 1256 it was extended and D-shaped towers added.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 51° 53.411′ N, 0° 54.201′ E. Marker is in Colchester, England, in Essex. It is on High Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 93-94 High Street, Colchester, England CO1 1TN, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally,

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it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Essex Witch Hunts (here, next to this marker); Main Entrance (within shouting distance of this marker); Castle - East Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); Castle - North Side (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Priory Street Bastion 5 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); East Gate (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); St Botolph's Churchyard (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); St Botolph's Priory (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colchester.

Colchester Castle image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 17, 2026

2. Colchester Castle

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 17, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.